EDA Tools & Flows Architect/Developer – AI-Powered Design Automation at Altera

San Jose, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Semiconductors, EDAIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Ph.D. preferred)
10+ years of industry experience in EDA tools, flows, and methodologies for ASIC/FPGA design
Experience with digital and custom IC design flows, including synthesis, floorplanning, placement, CTS, routing, STA, schematic capture, layout, and signoff (DRC/LVS)
Experience with frontend design flows (RTL development, synthesis, linting, CDC, formal verification)
Scripting and automation using Python, Tcl, and EDA tool APIs
Hands-on experience with ML/AI techniques and frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn) applied to design automation and optimization
Experience in industry-standard EDA tools (Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens/Mentor) and ability to evaluate emerging technologies
Demonstrated ability to architect complex flows, drive methodology improvements, and lead cross-functional initiatives
Track record of mentoring and influencing technical teams
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in EDA tool development and automation for physical or custom IC design flows
Hands-on expertise with FPGA and ASIC design methodologies, including RTL-to-GDSII implementation
Experience with data-driven optimization techniques and reinforcement learning to EDA workflows for performance and efficiency improvements

Responsibilities

Design and architect robust, scalable, and efficient physical design flows covering synthesis, floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis (CTS), routing, and signoff
Develop and maintain end-to-end design automation flows for RTL-to-GDSII implementation
Create and optimize custom schematic and layout flows for analog, mixed-signal, and full-custom digital designs
Contribute to frontend design flows, including RTL development, synthesis, linting, clock-domain crossing (CDC) checks, and formal verification
Collaborate across teams (design, CAD, and architecture) to identify bottlenecks and deliver automation solutions
Leverage ML/AI techniques to improve physical design processes such as placement, routing, timing closure, and power optimization
Evaluate and integrate new EDA tools and methodologies to enhance design productivity and quality
Develop documentation and training resources to support internal tool adoption and usage
Benchmark and validate flow improvements across multiple technology nodes and diverse design styles

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

EDA toolsphysical designsynthesisfloorplanningplacementCTSroutingRTL-to-GDSIIschematic capturelayout automationRTL developmentlintingCDCformal verificationML/AItiming closurepower optimization

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range is $178,900 - $259,000 USD for Bay Area California, with actual salary varying based on factors like location, knowledge, skills, experience, and training. Incentive opportunities are also offered based on individual and company performance.

Is this a remote position or does it require working in an office?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What skills and experience are required for this role?

Candidates need 10+ years in EDA tools and flows for ASIC/FPGA design, expertise in digital/custom IC flows (synthesis, floorplanning, placement, CTS, routing, STA, schematic capture, layout, signoff), frontend flows (RTL, synthesis, linting, CDC, formal verification), scripting in Python/Tcl/EDA APIs, and hands-on ML/AI experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn. A Bachelor’s or Master’s in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or related field is required (Ph.D. preferred).

What is the company culture like at Altera?

Altera offers a collaborative and forward-thinking team environment where you can work on cutting-edge chip design and automation technologies.

What makes a strong candidate for this EDA Architect role?

A strong candidate will have a Ph.D. preferred along with 10+ years of EDA experience, deep knowledge of digital/custom design flows, frontend flows, Python/Tcl scripting, and hands-on ML/AI application in design automation using tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Altera

Develops digital human agents for AI

About Altera

Altera develops digital human agents that mimic human traits like empathy, friendship, and fun. Their primary product allows users to interact with an AI agent while playing Minecraft, creating a friendly and engaging experience. Altera's agents are designed to be interoperable and capable of long-term autonomy, making them suitable for both individual users and businesses. Unlike many competitors, Altera focuses on advancing research and scaling technology to deliver unique, human-like AI products. The company's goal is to redefine AI agents, enhancing their versatility and human-like qualities.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2023Year Founded

$10.7MTotal Funding

SEEDCompany Stage

Consumer Software, AI & Machine LearningIndustries

11-50Employees

Risks

Priest-led cults in Altera's Minecraft simulation may cause ethical concerns.

Managing 1,000 autonomous AI agents poses safety and ethical challenges.

Creating believable digital humans may lead to misuse in deceptive AI applications.

Differentiation

Altera specializes in digital human agents with traits like empathy and friendship.

Their first product offers a unique Minecraft experience with interactive AI agents.

Altera's focus on human-like AI agents sets them apart in the AI sector.

Upsides

Altera raised $9M in May 2024, showing strong investor confidence.

AI-driven gaming experiences are gaining popularity, benefiting Altera's Minecraft product.

The rise of AI companions in mental health indicates a market for empathetic agents.

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